Education Success Stories

Happy Holidays from Amigos de Guatemala and ADIZ!

This is the time of year of reflecting and giving thanks to all of our amigos. From new students to training indigenous midwives and medical professionals through our partnership with Project CURE to our recent graduates, 2017 has been an exciting year. None of this would happen without our sponsors and supporters. Muchisimas gracias. Please continue to spread the word.

Team work is a great way to not only get to know your fellow scholarship students but also to learn how to work together. The following pictures show some of our “becadas” working together to bake a few yummy cakes.

Team work at its best

Crisol with her mother who sell cakes to earn money help with the cakes.

Helping scholarship students is not just an adult activity. Many different student groups have supported Amigos de Guatemala over time. Currently, there are three different Interact Clubs making a difference through education. These are the Cloverdale, Healdsburg and Salida clubs. Interact is the middle and high school Rotary clubs. Recently, I had the privilege to present to the Healdsburg High School Interact Club about the program. These funds will help with the purchase of solar lights. The Salida Interact Clubs (both middle and high schools) are supporting a student. While the Cloverdale Interact Club is supporting two students. Students can make a difference!

While not an educator by profession, I have always believed that every person around the world has the right to a basic education. To me, basic education means high school, whatever that looks like in their respective country.

As with most third world countries, education is not free especially for the middle and high school students. In many cases, it is the minority ruling the majority and keeping a populace ignorant is a way to “keep them in line.”

Never do I want to change a culture. It is too important to keep their customs, language, food, clothing, etc. The majority of the students in the Amigos de Guatemala scholarship program speak K’iché at home. However, these students and their families live and work in a Spanish speaking world.

Young women are Amigos de Guatemala’s focus. Why? Studies have shown that an educated female will educate her children regardless of sex and make better decisions for herself, her family and her community. When the program started over 10 years ago, not a single girl finished elementary school. During the 2016 school year, the scholarship program was 72% female. Change is happening albeit slowly.

All of you help change the lives of these young people. I just happen to be the “mouthpiece” and the “front man” (oops, woman).

I end with an excerpt from a letter I received from one of our female students who will be starting her first year of high school in 2017:

Hello Jean, I am sending you many greetings and hugs. I take this opportunity to congratulate you for the job you are doing with the youth, because you are helping them to achieve their goals and dreams, and move this country forward. I also thank the group of Amigos de Guatemala for the efforts and the support they do for the students, together with Sr. Fredy because he is fighting to move forward this country and the township of Zacualpa. He wants the youth to study and not depend from anyone. Blessings to everybody continuing to help the youth, because they really need it.

Jean you are a wonderful woman never forget this, I really appreciate you.

Thank you for everything, I have much appreciation to you. Take care.

With love:

Ana María Jimón García

This is the difference that we Amigos make that we will ensure a better this world for all.

Another success story!

Because of good grades and being a student with a lot of dedication and care, Miguel Angel has earned a full scholarship from the school where he studies. He is currently studying as an intern at the school devoting 100% of him time to studying.

This is why Amigos de Guatemala does what it does. Thank you, padrino (sponsor), for helping Miguel get the start he needed!

No program can be successful without a trusting and great partnership. Amigos de Guatemala is has been working with ADIZ – NGO and its director Fredy Argueta for many years. It is through this partnership that so many students are able to continue with their studies. Fredy’s goal is to improve the municipality of Zacualpa through education.

It is amazing after not having a single female finish elementary school a few years ago to a female only high school graduation class! These young women represent the future of their community of Zacualpa and Guatemala. Thank you to those who sponsored these students and the continuing students.

If you are interested in helping a new student transform her life, please click here.